Glade Festival DnB Showcase; DJ Zen Interview

On Friday 15th June, Trackitdown will be representing all styles of DnB at the legendary Glade festival. We’ve invited some of our favourite DJs/producers to showcase their take on the exciting sounds hitting the raves each and every week.

We’ve asked the crew to tell us a little bit about themselves in a series of short interviews and to give us a snapshot of the kind of beats they’ll be spinning!

Tickets for Glade are selling fast and we have them in the TID Ticket shop!

Next up in our series of TID DnB showcase interviews we have producer, DJ and Flip Audio label boss, DJ Zen....

Can you please tell us a bit about yourself and your sound?

Well, this is a good question. I've often thought how to describe my sound? A few years ago I saw a review of some of my tunes in a magazine and they described my sound as 'dirty dance floor funk'. I think that sums things up nicely.

How long have you been in the game and what advice do you have for young guns wanting to make their mark?

I guess I’ve been in the game for a while now, over a decade of releases. Advice wise to new producers would be to develop your own sound, and try not to clone others, this way you will stand out, and be true to yourself.

Have you always been a junglist? What were you into before you got into the scene?

I’ve followed the evolution from hardcore to jungle, then from jungle to drum and bass. It’s been a long journey. My first love was Hip Hop at school, I loved the heavy beats and bass, this then triggered the love of hardcore, rapid staggered amens, melodies, and weighty bass.

What was your first introduction to drum and bass?

I think the very first introduction to jungle / drum and bass was listening to pirate radio stations, and a good friend of mine introduced me to the Lazerdrome club, where the love of the music was encapsulated.

Are you a fan of other sounds either electronic or otherwise? Anything outside of DNB that is exciting or inspiring you right now and why?

Yes most definitely, there are so many genres I like. I like good music, regardless of genre. If I hear a good tune it’s a good tune, pop, dubstep, electro, house there are so many good tunes out there past and present. I am inspired and influenced by everything.

Is this your first festival? If so, what are you looking forward to? If you’re a veteran what advise would you give to first timers preparing for their 3 day stretch in the countryside!?

I guess this will be my first festival, I’ve played at many big parties but as in a festival set up, so I am defiantly looking forward to the experience.

My favourite festival experience so far I guess was watching Fat Boy Slim absolutely tear up SW4 2 years ago. And the worst (well for my friend)was watching him slip face first in the mud at Lovebox festival last year. Although these are small festivals, looking forward to larger ones such as Glade.

Will you been rocking the wellies and the Barbour look at Glade!? Have you got any essential festival gear you always pack?

Hmm I have a Barbour style jacket, don’t own wellies as of yet, do you think yellow wellies and a green Barbour jacket will cut the mustard? I will pack a spare pack of clothing and boxers of course.

Finally, we’re blasting out on a Funktion One rig set up around an ice cream van that’ll be our DJ booth! We reckon this could be the maddest set up! Have you ever played in some crazy places over your career?

This sounds like a crazy concept... love that! Sure to be impressive for all. I played on a couple of boats and a double decker bus, but this could be my maddest set up to date.

Thanks very much to Zen.

We hope this has got you all very excited!?

Tickets are selling fast and the whole Trackitdown crew will be there in full force – see you there!